Hockey Ad Network

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Portland, OR -- Winterhawks forward Oliver Gabriel has signed an entry level contract with the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets. Gabriel signs the deal after having gone to the Blue Jackets’ training camp as an undrafted free agent.

“Oliver’s contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets goes to show that hard work and perseverance can pay off for players who don’t get drafted,” said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. “Oliver is one of our hardest working players, and is very deserving of the contract he earned. He is a terrific role model for our young players.”

In three games since returning from the Blue Jackets’ training camp, Gabriel has one goal and three assists for four points. He set career-highs last season with 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 41 games. He more than doubled his previous season’s scoring output despite missing 30 games after suffering a ruptured spleen. In 94 career games, Gabriel has 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points.

Gabriel wasn’t drafted by any WHL teams, and made the Winterhawks in 2008 after being a training camp invitee the previous season.